As Ark felt the lead animal’s breath, as the monster’s tusks were ready to plunge into his chest, every word Corwenna said fell into place. Now he had no raven feather to clutch. She had said that he came from the trees, and what did trees do best? They stood there throughout all seasons, holding out against driving rain and pummeling wind. Well, being “rooted to the spot” might not be such a bad idea. His heart filled with a crazy confidence. It was almost as reckless as jumping off the edge. He’d either live or die, two sides of a coin spinning through the air toward him.

At the last second, Ark looked down. If he was part of the trees, the boars would ignore him. But to turn away from the oncoming horde felt like an act of folly. Every part of Ark’s body tensed.

The animals did not check their stride. Instead, they flowed past Ark, their sides brushing against him as if he was a solid rock. In the space of one breath, the boars were gone, behind him, trampling bushes as they vanished down the highway.

Ark slowly unclenched himself, twisting his head around, unable to believe he’d done it. He was miraculously unmarked. All that remained was the faint smell already being borne away by the breeze.

A sound of clapping interrupted the silence. “A little bit lastminute, but it will do, I think.” Corwenna glided out of the shadows, her feathered cloak flaring out behind her like a pair of wings.

“It’ll do?” Ark’s voice felt dried up. At least his feet were working again as he turned to face Corwenna, though there was a moment when the soles of his shoes almost stuck to the wooden surface. “I could have been killed!”

“Yes.”

“And that’s all you’ve got to say?”

“No. You could have, but you weren’t. I believed in you, Ark.” Corwenna’s eyebrows arched in amusement. “But I’m still hungry.”

“I’m sorry,” said Ark. “Let me get this straight. I nearly died a few seconds ago and you’re more concerned about your appetite?” Ark was usually meek and mild; he was changing, transforming into something else. Mucum was the one to get mouthy. What was happening to him?

“Yes. But don’t worry. Our friends are coming back and this time we shall not let them go so easily.”

“What do you mean?” As the branch began to quiver, he knew exactly what she meant. “Oh no, not again!” Lessons at school were never like this. At least you didn’t risk life and limb.

“Now listen well. I shall not leave you this time. But you must do as I say.”